The Little Opera Company Inc

The Little Opera Company Inc is a Canadian nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to the promotion and performance of chamber and contemporary opera. Established in Winnipeg, Manitoba, it has been bringing opera to local audiences for over 30 years, with a focus on innovative, accessible productions that highlight talented artists.

Mission and Activities

The organization's mission centers on promoting opera as an art form and providing performance opportunities for emerging and established artists. It stages a variety of productions ranging from traditional works to contemporary operas and experimental formats. The company is noted for its commitment to presenting chamber opera in intimate settings and often includes multicultural and thematic programming designed to engage diverse audiences.

Notable Productions

Over the years, The Little Opera Company has produced a wide array of works, including:

• The Walk from the Garden by Jonathan Dove, presented in 2024 as the Canadian premiere. This opera is an allegorical and environmental-themed retelling of the biblical story of Adam and Eve, staged at Winnipeg’s historic St. John’s Anglican Cathedral with a local choral ensemble contributing to the production’s depth and gravitas.[4]

• The Magic Flute: The Trials of Tamino and Pamina, a compact 90-minute adaptation of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte by Canadian composer John Greer. The adaptation, performed in English, was directed by Rob Herriot and featured local and Canadian talent, revitalizing the classic singspiel for modern audiences with innovative staging and orchestration.[5]

Other past seasons included productions such as Three Decembers, Opera Fright Night, All Those Arias - Video Game Show, and multicultural programs like Connected: A Multicultural Display of Belonging, reflecting the company's diverse artistic vision.[1]

Organization and Support

The Little Opera Company operates as a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency with the business registration number 870390176RR0001.[2] It relies on individual giving and season supporters to fund its artistic activities. The artistic direction has been noted for bold programming choices and risk-taking that challenge traditional norms in the post-pandemic arts landscape, contributing to the cultural fabric of Winnipeg and Canadian opera.[4]

Artistic Leadership

Spencer Duncanson, the artistic director, has been commended for his adventurous programming and leadership in bringing challenging and metaphorical operatic works to the stage. The company collaborates with local artists, directors, conductors, and ensembles to deliver high-quality productions that resonate with contemporary themes and community engagement.[4][5]

In summary, The Little Opera Company Inc stands as a vital institution in the Canadian operatic scene, blending tradition and innovation to foster appreciation for opera through chamber-scale performances, educational outreach, and community involvement.